Near the heart of the Strip, Harrah's Las Vegas is a base for budget-conscious visitors because of its inexpensive rooms as well as a selection of shows, restaurants and bars with mass appeal. The vibe: Bargain accommodations with a dash of Mardi Gras spirit in a near central Strip location. What we love: Everyone wants to be near the center of the Strip. By staying at Harrah's you won't pay through the nose for that privilege. Wait, do we actually have to elaborate on that? OK, so you can walk over to The LINQ Promenade next door and get on the High Roller Observation Wheel. Eat, drink and shop like a Roman across the street at Caesars Palace. Mosey over to The Mirage where dolphins swim and a volcano erupts nightly. Because this is just the tip of the iceberg, that's enough…we're done talking about how ideal Harrah's location is. While we don't love eating fried bologna sandwiches (of course, we respect your desire to eat them), we do adore Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill. Named for one of the country superstar's hit singles, this joint is bursting at the seams with live music, dancing, beer and big portions of good ol' home-style food. As far as buffets go, Flavors is worth a visit. Instead of waxing poetic about the prime rib and crab legs, let's skip right to the good stuff. The dessert station. This one is stocked with things you don't often see at buffets - like donuts, cinnamon rolls and bread pudding. If you have a sweet tooth, this buffet is for you. Insider tips: Some things on the Strip aren't within walking distance - but you can get to those via the Las Vegas Monorail. There's a station that straddles Harrah's and The LINQ Hotel & Casino behind the properties. Don't be afraid to use the self-parking garage. Compared to other Vegas hotels, this one is easy to navigate and convenient. You can access it from the Strip in front of Harrah's or from Linq Lane behind the resort. Once you've parked and taken an elevator to the ground floor, the resort's porte cochere and front desk are merely steps away. Good to know: Harrah's is the perfect place for you to find affordable rooms that put you right on the Strip. If you'd really like something to see from your window and you're a fan of giant observation wheels, then upgrade to a room with a view of the High Roller. There is valet and self-parking. Rates vary, so click here for details.